Social Service Specialist ; Child Protective Services

Position Title Social Service Specialist 1 (Child Protective Services)

Initial Posting Date 07/09/2026

Final date to receive applications 07/16/2026

Agency Department of Human Services

Salary Range $5,298 - $8,121

Position Type Employee

The Oregon Department of Human Services is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are guided by our Equity North Star and our vision for a positive RiSE organizational culture that advances equity and diversity. We encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQIA2S+ community members, and others to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

Ready to turn your passion for safeguarding children and strengthening families into a rewarding career? The Oregon Department of Human Services is seeking compassionate individuals to join our team and help create lasting, positive transformations in the lives of Oregon's most vulnerable children and families. Join us as a Permanency Worker and be the bridge that connects families, understanding their dynamics and making a lasting impact on those in need in Oregon.

• Safety & Wellbeing:
  Ensure the safety and well‑being of children while helping families achieve their goals.
• Engagement:
  Engage with children, families, resource parents, and caregivers to promote safety, permanency, and optimal outcomes.
• Assessment and Interviews:
  Conduct assessment and fact‑finding interviews related to child safety, risk of abuse, neglect, or harm, and determine necessary care and needs levels.
• Strategies:
  Develop and implement multi‑level strategies that leverage family strengths and address areas for improvement.
• Decision‑Making:
  Analyze collected information to determine appropriate child placement, considering each family’s unique circumstances.
• Communication:
  Create reports, case notes, testify in court, and communicate with diverse populations in office, community, or legal settings.

• Have a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, OR
• Have a bachelor’s degree unrelated to Human Services and either:
• One year of Human Services related experience; OR
• Completion of coursework equivalent to certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency; OR
• Have an associate degree and either:
• Two years of Human Services related experience; OR
• One year of Human Services related experience plus related training, coursework or certification consistent with Oregon Caseworker Competency.

• Experience protecting children from abuse and neglect within families, foster care homes, or other out‑of‑home care settings.
• Experience responding to referrals regarding alleged child abuse or neglect that requires a field assessment.
• Experience determining whether abuse/neglect has occurred and taking appropriate action per OSSM.
• Experience attending court hearings related to CPS assessments with DDA/AAG and/or community partners.

• Work Locations:
  Offices, homes of participants, and community sites.
• Travel:
  Occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and other case‑related activities, including occasional overnight travel.
• Hours:
  
  Regular work week with fluctuating hours; occasional overtime may be needed, including evenings and weekends.
• On‑Call:
  Part of a rotating on‑call schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Frequent physical activity, including lifting up to 50 pounds and assisting children with car seats.
• Must handle sensitive topics related to trauma, abuse, and crises, requiring a trauma‑informed approach.
• May interact with individuals who have experienced trauma and may have difficulty managing emotions; be prepared for stressful situations that require quick decision‑making.

• Criminal history and background check; adverse history may lead to disqualification.
• No visa sponsorship; must complete I‑9 within three days of hire.
• Must be cleared by FBI CJIS through fingerprint‑based check.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

• ODHS Employee Resource Group communities.
• Cost of living adjustments.
• Annual salary increases up to top of salary range.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Possible eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

• Veterans’ preference information available.
• Instructions for submitting veteran documents; do not attach to resume/CV.
• Oregon National Guard:
  Form DA5016, DD214, or NGB
  22 required; eligible starting January 2026; 5% awarded.

• This is a permanent, full‑time position represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
• The recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification.

• Recruiter: brent.lawrencegon.gov
• Include job requisition number when contacting the recruiter.